1: Smoking Cessation: From Patches to Psychedelics?

An RCT found that psychedelics, such as psilocybin, appear promising for the treatment of tobacco use disorder. In 82 psychiatrically healthy adult smokers, those who received 1 dose of psilocybin with adjunct cognitive behavioural therapy had 6 times greater odds of prolonged smoking abstinence compared with those using nicotine patch therapy. With no serious adverse events attributed to the psychedelic treatment, psilocybin may represent a potential new direction for smoking cessation.

2: Metabolically Healthy — For Now

A cohort study of 7,275 children with metabolically healthy obesity — meaning they do not exhibit overt metabolic abnormalities — found that by age 30, these individuals still face an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia compared with the general population. These findings suggest that pediatric obesity treatment should be considered regardless of metabolic status, as the risk of cardiometabolic disease may still emerge over time.

3: Rethinking Splints in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A parallel-group clinical trial of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome assessed whether wrist splinting helps relieve symptoms and prevent surgical treatment. Despite being a commonly prescribed intervention, there were no significant differences in outcomes between those using a rigid wrist splint and those given a soft placebo bandage after 12 weeks. These findings call into question the routine use of splinting and suggest a need to re-evaluate current management strategies.

Could a single shingles shot be a secret weapon against biological aging?

What happened: A new study suggests the shingles vaccine does more than prevent a painful rash — it may actually slow down the clock on biological aging in older adults.

Why it matters: Researchers analyzed data from the US Health and Retirement study, which included 4,000 adults aged 70+ in 2016. Building on previous links between vaccines and lower dementia risk, the team looked for signs of systemic "slowing."

Participants who received the shingles vaccine showed markers of slower biological aging than those who didn’t, including lower inflammation measurements and slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging. One possible explanation for the link between the shingles vaccine and aging is that the shot reduces chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in aging.

But: This isn’t The Substance — the shingles vaccine isn’t a cure for aging. The study had many limitations, including that it was observational and couldn’t prove cause and effect. Some vaccinated participants could’ve been living healthier lives, already slowing their biological age. Family health history, access to care, and prior immune records could also impact biomarkers.

Instead, experts would like to see more evidence-based strategies take place, such as a more diverse and randomized population of participants. People from different races and ethnic groups might react differently to the vaccine and the process of aging, just like people who have a history of health issues. Looking at a variety of different people rather than one age bracket will give researchers a better understanding of whether the vaccine meaningfully affects biological aging. 

Bottom line: Vaccines are one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history. But until further studies are done, the jury is still out on whether it can really slow aging.

1: 🧪 Watch out for “Fauxzempic.” Health Canada is sounding the alarm on fake semaglutide and other GLP-1 products creeping into Canada’s supply chain, often marketed under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The feds warn these unauthorized versions can be contaminated, inaccurately dosed, or downright dangerous — with risks ranging from allergic reactions to infections due to poor sterility. Health Canada says it’s finding these products sold both online and in stores, using ads with fake endorsements or official-looking logos.

2: 🧠 Scientists have discovered a hidden "death switch" in the brain that may help drive Alzheimer's disease. A team in Germany identified a toxic pairing of 2 proteins (NMDAR and TRPM4) that forms a "death complex," triggering neuron loss and memory decline. Using a new compound FP802 to break apart this deadly duo, researchers slowed disease progression and reduced amyloid buildup in mice. Human trials are still far off, but this discovery represents a shift: instead of removing plaques, this treatment would block the cellular mechanism that actually kills brain cells.

3: 📉 Surging oil prices could hit your daily commute… and your favourite chatbot. With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East pushing Brent crude as high as $119 a barrel, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is warning this could "crimp" energy-hungry data centres — a.k.a. the fuel for the AI revolution. Sector growth and global trade might hit a wall for AI (last year’s global economy MVP) if these energy costs stay high, the WTO warned. It’s a stark reminder that even the virtual world remains deeply tethered to a physical barrel of oil.

4: 💊 Black Canadians are significantly less likely to fill prescriptions due to cost, according to new research in CMAJ. The study found that Black adults are nearly twice as likely to skip doses or leave prescriptions unfilled compared to white adults. While the research highlights lower rates of insurance coverage, it also found the disparity persists even when income and insurance are equal. Researchers suggest that beyond financial barriers, a deep-seated distrust of the healthcare system — driven by systemic racism — is preventing patients from accessing medication.

🍳 Make: this spring pea and lemon risotto. This one-pan wonder is essentially spring in a bowl, using fresh peas, mint, and lemon zest for a bright, light dinner. 

🤑 Save: on compression socks this week. If you’re hitting your 10,000th step before noon, your calves will thank you for the medical-grade support that actually looks stylish under work clothes.

🎧 Listen: to this Real Life Pharmacology episode on the anatomy of medication errors. It’s a 15-minute deep dive — perfect for the commute — that breaks down real-world dispensing traps and definitions in a way that’s actually engaging.

🌍 Visit: this lakeside sanctuary in Costa Rica. With 180-degree cloud forest views and wood-fired hot tubs, it’s the ultimate way to swap the hum of the pharmacy fridge for high-altitude serenity.

😂 Laugh: at this sketch video showing a med student shadowing a hospital pharmacist. He quickly learns that sitting is "contractually prohibited", and just how many lives are actually saved each week by catching a doctor’s dosing mistake.

Drug Shortages

Phenytoin (Capsules/Chewable Tablets): New national shortage notice issued April 1. Phenytoin sodium capsules and phenytoin chewable tablets are used to control seizures, and supply is expected to be tight through early May.

Cyclophosphamide (Vial for Injection): This critical chemotherapy and immunosuppressant agent is currently in a Tier 3 shortage across all Canadian manufacturers. The supply gap is anticipated to last until at least June 2026.

Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine): The shortage of this long-acting injectable continues. To maintain treatment for syphilis and rheumatic fever, Health Canada has authorized the exceptional importation of Portuguese-labeled Lentocilin S 1200 as a temporary substitute.

Newly Approved Drugs

Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab): Approved April 1, 2026. New FcRn inhibitor for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) (approved April 1, 2026)

Camcevi (leuprolide mesylate): Approved March 31, 2026. A long-acting 6-month GnRH agonist depot for advanced prostate cancer.

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